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About PIRSA
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is a key economic development agency in the Government of South Australia.
We are responsible for maintaining the prosperity of the state's primary industries and regions.
South Australia's primary industries and agribusiness generated $18.5 billion of revenue in 2022–23, with direct employment and associated processing at 78,000 (full-time equivalent). These industries accounted for 51% of the state's merchandise exports.
Key topics
Major industries
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Aquaculture
We support the aquaculture industry and manage aquatic animal health with surveillance, education, and disease response. -
Commercial fishing
See the rules, licensing and registration, and fish size limits that apply to SA's commercial fisheries and processors. -
Food and beverage
Our food and beverage industries are vital to the state’s economy, with opportunities for local, national, and overseas growth. -
Forestry
We work with businesses and the community to develop world-leading initiatives for the forestry and wood products industries. -
Grains and crops
The sustainable grains industry in SA produces wheat, barley, canola, lentils, oats, peas, beans, lupins and chickpeas. -
Grape and wine
SA accounts for almost 80% of Australia’s premium wine production, with some of the oldest grapevines in the world. -
Horticulture
Our state is recognised for excellence in environmentally clean, safe, and advanced horticultural production. -
Livestock, wool and dairy
We deliver services, advice, research and development to increase the livestock industry's thriving trade and investment.
Latest news
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Stop the sharing of home-grown produce
19 February
Riverland residents in fruit fly outbreak areas are being urged to refrain from selling or sharing home-grown host fruits and vegetables.Read more about Stop the sharing of home-grown produce -
Four inspiring South Australian women selected as finalists for AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award
17 February
A leader in livestock reproduction technologies, a businesswoman combining technology, education and agriculture, a voice coach providing communication training to people in regional areas and an eco-conscious meal champion have been shortlisted as t…Read more about Four inspiring South Australian women selected as finalists for AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award -
Alleged abalone traffickers caught red-handed
14 February
Three alleged abalone traffickers will face court after being caught with more than 35 kilograms of greenlip and blacklip abalone taken from South Australian waters.Read more about Alleged abalone traffickers caught red-handed -
South Australia vigilant as H7 avian influenza detected in Victoria
11 February
SA backyard or commercial poultry owners are being urged to closely monitor their flocks and report any signs of disease following the confirmation of highly pathogenic H7N8 avian influenza at an egg farm in northern Victoria.Read more about South Australia vigilant as H7 avian influenza detected in Victoria -
New biosecurity legislation to advance SA passes Parliament
7 February
Contemporary legislation to strengthen protections for South Australia’s $18.5 billion primary industries, the environment, and the community from pests, diseases, and other biosecurity threats has passed both houses of State Parliament.…Read more about New biosecurity legislation to advance SA passes Parliament -
Inaugural Director commences to lead Forestry Centre of Excellence
5 February
Professor Jeff Morrell has commenced as the first Director of the Forestry Centre of Excellence (FCoE), ready to lead the centre into its next chapter as an international leader in forest industries for research, education, product and market develop…Read more about Inaugural Director commences to lead Forestry Centre of Excellence -
Boost for drought resilience to SA's wine and vegetable sectors
5 February
As part of the Farm Business Resilience Program in South Australia, over $1 million has been allocated to grow the reach of a transformative program aimed at boosting drought resilience amongst South Australian viticulturalists and vegetable growers.…Read more about Boost for drought resilience to SA's wine and vegetable sectors -
Further $1.2m boost to SA’s regional community projects
5 February
The State Government has allocated an additional $1.2 million in funding to help community groups in regional South Australia bring their projects to life.Read more about Further $1.2m boost to SA’s regional community projects -
Living it up at the golf? Don’t risk a $417 fine
5 February
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is reminding people from the Riverland visiting Adelaide for LIV Golf next weekend to leave restricted home-grown fruit and vegetables behind.Read more about Living it up at the golf? Don’t risk a $417 fine -
Cutting edge research helping farmers on the Eyre Peninsula
30 January
Farmers across the Upper Eyre Peninsula will benefit from cutting-edge research to enhance productivity in a low-rainfall zone through a series of free events, thanks to the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), in the coming w…Read more about Cutting edge research helping farmers on the Eyre Peninsula
